Wood Species
IPE and other Tropical Hardwoods
Cedar, Redwood and Cypress
Pressure Treated Pine
Composite
Cost
Max Crushing Strength and Janka Hardness
Appearance
Maintenance
LIFESPAN
DURABILITY
ENVIORNMENTAL IMPACT
$$$$
$$-$$$
$
$$-$$$$
Highest
13,000 MCS
3,600 Janka
Low
7,500 MCS
350 to 500 Janka
Low
2,000 MCS
690 Janka
Lowest
1,588 MCS
550 Janka
Good
Tight grained, brown, excellent detail.
Moderate
Open grained, varying colors, detail varies from straight grained to excellent detail.
Weak
Greenish appearance at first, then yellow with some grain detail.
Moderate
Variable, but artificial appearance; limited grain details.
Lowest
Can be oiled annually to keep color rich.
High
Annual cleaning, sanding, sealing recommended.
High
Annual cleaning, sanding, sealing recommended.
Medium
No staining needed
Longest
30+ Years
Medium
10+ Years
Low
10 Years
Long
20+ Years
Highest
Naturally rot resistant.
Moderate
Can rot without treatment and susceptible to insects.
Lowest
Short term rot resistance due to chemical treatment.
Moderate
Rot resistant due to plastic and chemical fibers.
Highest
Unsustainable. Trees take hundred of years to reach lumber producing size. No proven re-growth plan.
Moderate
Species sustainable with proper forestry management.
High
Sustainable with proper forestry management. Heavy chemicals infused to treat the wood.
High
Heavy utilization of plastics, petroleum and extreme energy use for thermal modification.